Many identify the Klang Valley, with its many malls, as a place filled with conspicuous consumption. But also, if you keep your eyes open during outings, you will find some precious quirky and collectible finds in the least expected places (and some on-the-beaten paths as well). Some are mass produced yet still alluring enough to acquire while some are limited-editions that might just encourage you to start a new collection.

There are also several expert individuals who it pays to know to help you get your paws on customised, hard-to-get goods. You know the saying, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know. And that's especially true for adding value to your collection as well as for your ringgit.

Action City
The creator and retailer for collectable toys, lifestyle products and novelty gifts offers some kids toys which are far from pure novelty. But if it’s kids toys you want, head to Toys ‘R Us. Among the more quirky stuff, Japan’s ‘Be@rbricks’ figurines, inspired by popular culture; designed and produced by MediCom Toy Incorporated merit mention.

The figure is recognised as an anthropomorphised bear with simplified characteristics and a pot belly. In each series, there are 18 figures in ten different themes. I don’t know what is it about these figurines, but surfing the internet — with discussion boards, trade-offs and re-selling of Be@rbrick figurines, some in the hundreds of dollars, depending on the items’ rarity — the online community know something I don’t.

You can’t actually order the toys online as they won’t send them from Japan. However, at Action City, fans are queueing up for these cult items, especially the latest ‘Be@rbrick Elvis Presley’ (RM799.80 — yes, that’s not a misprint. A model bear will set yo back almost RM800). ‘The Sex Pistols Be@rbrick Never Mind the Bollocks’ is the same price and is available in the large 400 per cent and smaller 100 per cent models, in pink and apple green. The Be@rbrick Eley Kishimoto in white and black, and white and red and is somewhat less eye-wateringly expensive at RM299.80.

All look nice sitting on the shelves, but that’s a lot of money. I mean, if you want a proven collection of pretty bulging figures, what’s wrong with vintage Coca-Cola bottles?

Action City, T205, 3rd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, KL (03 2282 9998). Opens 10am-10pm; S59, 2nd floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, PJ (03 7727 2998/actioncity.my). Open 10am-10pm.

ThirtyFour
Animal rights movement PETA may baulk at ThirtyFour’s modus operandi of using so much skin in its products, but collectors can’t get enough of them. Headed by Linda Chong, who designs and custom makes the range of design-driven hand-crafted leather accessories the brand blends traditional handmade techniques and high-design. In one range, ThirtyFour produce duffels, totes and clutches in deceptively simple contours made from luxurious calfskin, classic cotton canvas and feature suede or full cotton lining.

Then they present androgynous cuffs and belts in classic vegetable tanned calfskin and trendy exotic skins in silver and gold. If animal skin is your thing, then you’ll be in your element. Just hope that some fanatic animal-lover won’t splash red paint on you. Ethics aside, if you want to show some skin aside from yours, the Narrow Stud Belt 2 (RM220) crafted in metallic silver sea snake skin is recommended by Chong — although it is a bit bold for my taste. It’s lined with calfskin and comes with three brass alloy studs. Customisation is available, with a choice of sea snake colour, and finish of antique brass, gun metal or silver studs.

Wristbands are odd pieces to collect, but have a loyal following, partly because they are so affordable. Started when cycling champ Lance Armstrong launched his line of wristbands inspired by life-affirming values and the following international marketing ‘band’-wagon that followed. But taking this trend to the extreme, Chong’s Ullyseus wristband (RM130) made from chicken feet skin lined with calfskin is a whole different brand of band. Strange though it sounds, it’s even weirder than that as it has dark brown vegetable tanned cowhide overlay, and is finished with a nickelplated brass ring and stud hardware.

Customisation also comes with a choice of chicken feet colour, and finish of antique brass, gun metal or silver studs and rings. Perhaps even more bizarre than that are the limited edition suede floggers (RM130 each). Apart from the cheap versions found in sex shops (not that I use those...), I didn’t know floggers could be custommade in esoteric ways, such as handcrafted in muted pink and lime calf suede. Three other colours are available, and all come in brass and alloy detailing. Now, just need an excuse to put them into practice...

ThirtyFour, Studio+ Workshop, 86-1, Jalan Medang Serai, Bukit Bandaraya, KL (03 2095 0034/ thirtyfour.net). By appointment only.

Kinpeun
Specialising in the trade of used five-star hotel furnishings from around the world, this unusual store acquires goods mostly in respectable if not mint condition. Everything from furniture, fixtures, bedding, decorative items, fine art accessories, electrical items and kitchen utensils are available at a fraction of the original price. You have to bear in mind they’ve been used numerous times. Why bother buying ‘recycled’ goods that have been touched and sat on numerous times? Well, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so maybe young urbanites will see the value in such things. We live in different times, after all.

Regardless, for the truly oddball collection/collector, the manager advises to check out the range of lamps and mirrors. The two-ft, 220W ladies lamp (RM100), with a Chinese maiden porcelain base were sourced from the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (where the late Hong Kong singer/actor Leslie Cheung committed suicide) may catch your eyes, but they are pretty funny looking An acquired taste, I think.

Perhaps most bizarre to collect are mirrors. But there is some appropriateness in this passion, given the stark vanity in society. You could start with an item such as the Spanish made curvy mirror with well-seasoned teakwood frame (RM200), straight from the walls of Hong Kong Shangri-la. Fifty pieces are available. Why not buy the lot and build your own hall of mirrors?

Kinpeun, 22, Jalan 3/3C, Sri Utara, Batu 7, Jalan Ipoh, KL (03 6258 2188/www.kinpeun.com). Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm; Sat, 10am-2pm.